10 friends we all have in our 20s

1.The Co-worker

They're found in every single office, wherever you work, at every stage of life. The one or two people you bond with over your bitchy boss, your paltry wages or the fact that the post room keeps losing your mail. Socialising out of work involves a trusty pinot or three and a conversation constructed entirely of office moaning/gossip.Best for: Bitching about all things work-related at the times when you are mere moments away from throwing your computer at your bossCan be overheard saying: "You know, legally, we are supposed to have a lunch hour."Longevity: 1/10. As soon as one of you gets a new job its 'au revoir' amid false promises of after work drinks in the future.

2. The BFF

Your sista from another mista, your soulmate, and the one person that can make you laugh until you genuinely think you may wet yourself. There's nothing you can't or haven't told her and you are joined at the hip. So much so that you feel pangs of missing them when you've not had contact for at least 24 hours.Best for: EverythingCan be overheard saying: "Eugh I hate boys, let's get a curry and watch movies in bed," and "She's my wifey" to any man within earshotLongevity: 9/10. She is a keeper. You will be sitting side by side in rocking chairs when you are grey and old.

NBC

3. The' Old Before Her Time' Friend

You can't remember the last time they stayed out past 11pm and most of the time can be found at home with their other half. But it's ok because they've always been like that. These friends provide a certain mummy-like comfort, always on hand to give a sympathetic hug or Sunday roast.Best for: Going picture frame shopping before heading to her place for tea and home-made cakeCan be overheard saying: "I need to get the invites out for my dinner party – its only two months away!"Longevity: 8/10. This friend patiently waits until you all catch up with her, longing for the day you can bond over table settings and flower arrangements.

4. The Good-time Friend

We all have one of these mates. The friend who is the ultimate fun but let's face it, you couldn't trust her as far as you could throw her. She cancels plans last minute and ignores your texts but she shows up she brings the party.Best for: A 'Hangover'-style night out. Errr, why is there a stop sign in my living room?Can be overheard saying: "JAGER BOMB"Longevity – 3/10. When those nights out turn into wine and cheese gathering, she is outta there.

5. The Online Friend

Like, re-tweet and share. Those are the three functions of your friendship. She adores your photos while you think her tweets are hysterical. To the outside world it looks like you are the best of mates but if you actually see them in person it's a quick "Hey, how are ya?" (possibly even a heads down) before going your separate ways. Actually, come to think of it, where did you even meet…?Best for: Getting that all-important 'like' on that hilarious and clever status it took you 15 minutes to word perfectly Can be overheard saying: Nothing. But you know who it will be when the notification noise on your phone goes off.Longevity: Undetermined– it will last as long as you are both surfing the web.

6. The Jessa from Girls

She has done everything…twice. There are absolutely no judgments and your embarrassing confession of last Saturday's antics goes no further. She is a vault of secrets and is always there with a "oh, that's not that bad. One time I…".Best for: Calling on a Sunday morning with an all-time high level of fear and regretCan be overheard saying: "Ooooh, I hate playing Never Have I Ever. I always lose!Longevity: 7/10. Even though (hopefully) the humiliating moments of your 20s fade with age, she will always have a place in your heart. Either that or she just knows too much to let her go…

7. The School Friend

They were your entire social world at school and together you surfed the perilous seas of puberty. First kisses, Alcho-pops and heartbreak were shared with these gals and you had more fallings out that you can count. Although you don't speak much, when you are together it's like nothing has changed.Best for: Reunion nights out at ChristmasCan be overheard saying: "HA remember when…"Longevity: 5/10. These friends wittle down with age. You all grow up and grow apart but there are a special few that stick around.

8. The 'I've Had A Nightmare' Friend

You love her. Both because she is a wonderful friend but also because she makes you feel that teeny tiny bit better about yourself. She regales you of disasters she's had at work, with boys and that time she burnt a chunk of her hair off with her hairdryer. Her stories are always so entertaining they leave you feeling a tad smug that it didn't happen to you. Though originally not why you became friends, it certainly doesn't hurt your ego that you still are!Best for: Making your embarrassing 'foot in the mouth' moment last night seem nothing in comparison to her latest 'mareCan be overheard saying: "So you will never guess what happened to me last night…"Longevity: 8/10. Although her tales make you feel better, she was your friend for a reason. She may be ridiculous but she is loyal and always entertains.

9. The Guy Friend

When everyone always asks why you aren't together, you laugh and secretly feel a little grossed out – he is like a brother, ew! Your one guy friend that you can get that all-important male opinion from. Whether gay or straight, he knows a hell of a lot more than you do about the opposite sex and always has your back. And since he doesn't fancy you (well maybe just a little), he's a great wing-man…but only if you return the favour!Best for: Putting 'girl dramas' into perspectiveCan be overheard saying: "Why do you care about this stuff so much?Longevity: 6/10. He will be around as long as his girlfriend/wife lets him.

10. The Stop Gap Friend

The most frustrating of all friends…the one that ditches you as soon as she get a new guy. When she is man-free, you see her every weekend; a pair of single gals out on the town. Until she drops off the face of the earth. And when you finally speak to her, it's all 'yeah we did that" and " Sorry, I cant. We are going to the cinema tonight." But lo and behold as soon as they split, she is right back by your side.Best for: Setting you up with her boyfriend's mates and double datesCan be overheard saying: "WE"Longevity: 2/10. Eventually she will settle down and most likely disappear off into a cloud of couples massages and dinner at his parents.

Cosmopolitan, Part of the Hearst UK Fashion & Beauty Network
Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.